Local area network of serial intelligent cells

• US 20060062241A1
• Filed: 11/15/2005
• Published: 03/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc (MOSAID Technologies Inc. (f/k/a Conversant Intellectual Property Management))
• Original Assignee: SercoNet Limited (Yehuda Binder, MBA)
• Inventors: Binder, Yehuda
• Granted Patent: US 7,965,735 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/463
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5437 Wired telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5445 Local network
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/545 Audio/video application, e.g. interphone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5458 Monitor sensor; Alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/542 the information being in digital form
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2801 Broadband local area networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2838 Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths adaptations of television systems for transmission by electric cable for domestic distribution H04N7/106; hybrid transport H04L12/6418; home network arrangements specially adapted for distribution of digital video signals H04N7/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2843 Mains power line
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2845 Telephone line
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/00 Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/00 Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications user-to-user messaging H04L51/00; network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/02 providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 370/908 Local area network

Abstract

A serial intelligent cell (SIC) and a connection topology for local area networks using Electrically-conducting media. A local area network can be configured from a plurality of SIC'"'"'s interconnected so that all communications between two adjacent SIC'"'"'s is both point-to-point and bidirectional. Each SIC can be connected to one or more other SIC'"'"'s to allow redundant communication paths. Communications in different areas of a SIC network are independent of one another, so that, unlike current bus topology and star topology, there is no fundamental limit on the size or extent of a SIC network. Each SIC can optionally be connected to one or more data terminals, computers, telephones, sensors, actuators, etc., to facilitate interconnectivity among such devices. Networks according to the present invention can be configured for a variety of applications, including a local telephone system, remote computer bus extender, multiplexers, PABX/PBX functionality, security systems, and local broadcasting services. The network can use dedicated wiring, as well as existing wiring as the in-house telephone or electrical wiring.

Claims

1. A device for coupling to a data unit and to a wiring, said device comprising:

a wiring connector operative for connecting said device to the wiring;

a first transceiver coupled to said wiring connector for conducting a full-duplex serial digital data communication over the wiring;

a data interface connector connectable to the data unit;

a second transceiver coupled to said data interface connector for conducting a bi-directional serial digital data communication with the data unit;

firmware and a processor executing said firmware, said processor being coupled at least to control said first and second transceivers; and

a single enclosure housing said wiring connector, said processor, said firmware, said data interface connector, and said first and second transceivers,

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a network.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

the wiring is at least in part in a wall of a building and is one of;

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

a telephone wire-pair; and

powerline wiring;

said wiring connector is adapted to connect to the wiring; and

said first transceiver is operative for conducting the full-duplex serial digital data communication over the wiring.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein said device is pluggable into and attachable to an outlet.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one active unit;

a power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply having a connection point for connecting to a power source; and

a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status,

wherein said power supply comprises an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter.

7. The device according to claim 6, further comprising a power connector connectable to the power source, and wherein said connection point is coupled to said power connector for supplying power to said device from the power source.

8. The device according to claim 6 wherein the wiring further simultaneously carries a power signal, and wherein said connection point is coupled to receive the power signal and to supply the power signal to said device for powering at least part of said device.

9. The device according to claim 6 further comprising a power connector coupled to said connection point and connectable to a further device for DC powering the further device.

10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor and actuatable by a user for assigning a device parameter.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device has an address assigned automatically or by a data unit connected to said device.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical transceivers connected to the wiring.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other transceiver over the wiring.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical transceivers.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single other transceiver.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein communication with the data unit conforms to an Ethernet standard.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one parameter of said device is configurable by the connected data unit.

19. The device according to claim 1 further operative to provide a standard computer bus interface, and further comprising a computer connector coupled to said first transceiver and mechanical means for connecting and attaching said device to a computer plug-in unit.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein said standard computer bus interface is one of:

an ISA interface;

a PCMCIA interface;

an IDE interface; and

a SCSI interface.

21. The device according to claim 1, further operative to couple an analog unit to said processor, and wherein said device further comprises an analog connector connectable to the analog unit for coupling an analog signal to said processor, and a converter coupled between said analog connector and said processor for converting between the analog and digital signals.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the analog unit is an analog actuator for creating a physical phenomenon, and said converter is a digital to analog converter.

23. The device according to claim 21, wherein the analog unit is an analog sensor for sensing a physical phenomenon, and said converter is an analog to digital converter.

24. The device according to claim 21, wherein the analog unit is one of an audio unit and a video unit and the analog signal is one of an audio signal and a video signal, respectively.

25. The device according to claim 21, wherein the analog unit is a telephone unit, said analog connector is a telephone connector and the analog signal is a telephone signal.

26. The device according to claim 21, further comprising:

at least one active unit;

a DC power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply having a connection point for connecting to a power source;

a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status, and

wherein said power supply comprises an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter, and said analog connector is coupled to said DC power supply and is connectable to the analog unit for DC powering the analog unit.

27. A device for coupling to first and second data units, said device comprising:

a first data interface connector connectable to the first data unit;

a first transceiver coupled to said first data interface connector for conducting full-duplex serial digital data communication with the first data unit;

a second data interface connector connectable to the second data unit;

a second transceiver coupled to said second data interface connector for conducting full-duplex serial digital data communication with the second data unit; and

a single enclosure housing said first and second data interface connectors, and said first and second transceivers, wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a network.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

29. The device according to claim 27, wherein said device is pluggable into and attachable to an outlet.

30. The device according to claim 27, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

31. The device according to claim 27, further comprising:

at least one active unit;

a power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply having a connection point for connecting to a power source; and

a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status, and

wherein said power supply comprises an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter.

32. The device according to claim 31, further comprising a power connector connectable to the power source, and wherein said connection point is coupled to said power connector for supplying power to said device from the power source.

33. The device according to claim 27, wherein the communication with the first data unit is independent of the communication with the second data unit.

34. The device according to claim 27 further comprising a power connector coupled to said connection point and connectable to a device for DC powering the device.

35. The device according to claim 27, further comprising a processor and at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor and actuatable by a user for assigning a device parameter.

36. The device according to claim 35, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

37. The device according to claim 27, wherein said device has an address assigned automatically or by a data unit connected to said device.

38. The device according to claim 27, wherein said first transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical transceivers.

39. The device according to claim 27, wherein said first transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single mating transceiver.

40. The device according to claim 27, wherein said second transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical transceivers.

41. The device according to claim 27, wherein said second transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single mating transceiver.

42. The device according to claim 27, wherein the communication with each of the first and second data units conforms to an Ethernet protocol.

43. The device according to claim 27, wherein at least one parameter of the device is configurable by one of the first and second data units when connected to a respective data interface connector.

44. The device according to claim 27 further operative to provide a standard computer bus interface, and further comprising a computer connector coupled to said first transceiver and mechanical means for connecting and attaching said device to a computer plug-in unit.

45. The device according to claim 44, wherein said standard computer bus interface is one of:

an ISA interface;

a PCMCIA interface;

an IDE interface; and

a SCSI interface.

46. The device according to claim 27, further operative to couple an analog unit to the first data unit, and wherein said device further comprises an analog connector connectable to the analog unit for coupling an analog signal to the first data unit, and a converter coupled between said analog connector and said first transceiver for converting between the analog and digital signals.

47. The device according to claim 46, wherein the analog unit is an analog actuator for creating a physical phenomenon, and said converter is a digital to analog converter.

48. The device according to claim 46, wherein the analog unit is an analog sensor for sensing a physical phenomenon, and said converter is an analog to digital converter.

49. The device according to claim 46, wherein the analog unit is one of an audio unit and a video unit and the analog signal is one of an audio signal and a video signal, respectively.

50. The device according to claim 46, wherein the analog unit is a telephone unit, said analog connector is a telephone connector and the analog signal is a telephone signal.

51. The device according to claim 46, further comprising:

at least one active unit;

a DC power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply having a connection point for connecting to a power source; and

a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status,

wherein said power supply comprises an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter, and said analog connector is coupled to said DC power supply and is connectable to the analog unit for DC powering the analog unit.

52. The device according to claim 27, further operative to transparently pass data from the first data unit to the second data unit and wherein said first transceiver is coupled to said second transceiver.

53. A device for coupling an analog unit to a wiring carrying serial digital data, the device comprising:

a wiring connector operative for connecting said device to the wiring;

a transceiver coupled to said wiring connector for conducting serial digital data communication over the wiring;

an analog connector connectable to the analog unit;

a converter for converting between analog and digital signals coupled between said analog connector and said transceiver for coupling the serial digital data to the analog unit; and

a single enclosure housing said transceiver, said converter, said wiring connector and said analog connector,

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a network.

54. The device according to claim 53, wherein the wiring is in a wall of a building and is one of:

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

a telephone wire pair; and

powerline wiring, and wherein said wiring connector is adapted to connect to the wiring and said transceiver is operative to for conducting full-duplex serial digital data communication over the wiring.

55. The device according to claim 54, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

56. The device according to claim 54, wherein said device is pluggable into and attachable to an outlet.

57. The device according to claim 53, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

58. The device according to claim 53, further comprising at least one active unit, and wherein said device further comprises:

a power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply having a connection point for connecting to a power source; and

a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status, and wherein said power supply comprises an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter.

59. The device according to claim 58 further comprising a power connector connectable to the power source, and wherein said connection point is coupled to said power connector for supplying power to said device from the power source.

60. The device according to claim 58 wherein the wiring further simultaneously carries a power signal, and wherein said connection point is coupled to receive the power signal and to supply the power signal to said device for powering at least part of said device.

61. The device according to claim 58 further comprising a power connector coupled to said connection point and connectable to a component for DC powering the component.

62. The device according to claim 58 wherein the wiring further simultaneously carries a power signal, and wherein said connection point is coupled to the wiring for supplying power to said device from the power signal.

63. The device according to claim 53, further comprising a processor and at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor, operative for user assigning a device parameter.

64. The device according to claim 63, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

65. The device according to claim 53, wherein said device has an address that is automatically assigned or assigned by a data unit connected to said device.

66. The device according to claim 53, wherein the analog unit is an analog actuator for creating a physical phenomenon, and said converter is a digital to analog converter.

67. The device according to claim 53, wherein the analog unit is an analog sensor for sensing a physical phenomenon, and said converter is an analog to digital converter.

68. The device according to claim 53, wherein the analog unit is one of an audio unit and a video unit and the analog signal is one of an audio signal and a video signal, respectively.

69. The device according to claim 53, wherein the analog unit is a telephone unit, the analog connector is a telephone connector and the analog signal is a telephone signal.

70. The device according to claim 53, wherein said transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex communication.

71. The device according to claim 53, wherein said transceiver is operative to bi-directionally communicate with one or more identical transceivers over the wiring.

72. The device according to claim 53, wherein said transceiver is operative to bi-directionally point-to-point communicate with only a single mating transceiver over the wiring.

73. The device according to claim 53, wherein at least one parameter of the device is configurable by a connected data unit.

74. The device according to claim 53 further operative to provide a standard computer bus interface, said device further comprising a computer connector and mechanical means for connecting and attaching said device to a computer plug-in unit, said computer connector being coupled to said wiring connector.

75. The device according to claim 74 wherein said standard computer bus interface is one of:

an ISA interface;

a PCMCIA interface;

an IDE interface; and

a SCSI interface.

76. The device according to claim 53 further comprising firmware and a processor executing said firmware, and wherein the serial digital data is coupled to said processor via said wiring connector.

77. The device according to claim 76, further comprising at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor and actuatable by a user for assigning a device parameter.

78. The device according to claim 77, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

79. A device for coupling to wiring carrying serial digital data, said device comprising:

a wiring connector operative for connecting the device to said wiring;

a first transceiver coupled to said wiring connector for conducting serial digital data communication over the wiring; and

a single enclosure housing said wiring connector and said first transceiver,

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a network.

80. The device according to claim 79, wherein the wiring is in a wall of a building and is one of:

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

a telephone wire pair; and

powerline wiring, and wherein said wiring connector is adapted to connect to the wiring and said first transceiver is operative for conducting full-duplex serial digital data communication over the wiring.

81. The device according to claim 80, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

82. The device according to claim 79, wherein the device is pluggable into and attachable to an outlet.

83. The device according to claim 79, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

84. The device according to claim 79, further comprising:

at least one active unit;

a power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply comprising an AC/DC converter or DC/DC converter and a connection point for connecting to a power source; and

a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status.

85. The device according to claim 84 further comprising a power connector connectable to the power source, and wherein said connection point is coupled to said power connector for supplying power to said device from the power source.

86. The device according to claim 84 wherein the wiring further simultaneously carries a power signal, and wherein said connection point is coupled to receive the power signal and to supply the power signal to said device for powering at least part of said device.

87. The device according to claim 84 further comprising a power connector coupled to said connection point and connectable to a component for DC powering the component.

88. The device according to claim 79 further comprising firmware and a processor executing said firmware, said processor being at least coupled to control said first transceiver.

89. The device according to claim 88, further comprising at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor and actuatable by a user for assigning a device parameter.

90. The device according to claim 89, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

91. The device according to claim 79, operative for coupling the serial digital data to an analog unit, said device further comprising:

an analog connector connectable to the analog unit; and

a converter for converting between analog and digital signals coupled between said analog connector and said first transceiver for coupling the serial digital data to the analog unit.

92. The device according to claim 91, wherein the analog unit is an analog actuator for creating a physical phenomenon, and said converter is a digital to analog converter.

93. The device according to claim 91, wherein the analog unit is an analog sensor for sensing a physical phenomenon, and said converter is an analog to digital converter.

94. The device according to claim 91, wherein the analog unit is one of an audio unit and a video unit and the analog signal is one of an audio signal and a video signal, respectively.

95. The device according to claim 91, wherein the analog unit is a telephone unit, the analog connector is a telephone connector and the analog signal is a telephone signal.

96. The device according to claim 79, wherein said first transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex communication.

97. The device according to claim 79, wherein said first transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical transceivers over the wiring.

98. The device according to claim 79, wherein said first transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional point-to-point communication with only a single mating transceiver over the wiring.

99. The device according to claim 79, wherein at least one parameter of the device is configurable by a connected data unit.

100. The device according to claim 79 further operative to provide a standard computer bus interface, said device further comprising a computer connector and mechanical means for connecting and attaching said device to a computer plug-in unit, said computer connector being coupled to said wiring connector.

101. The device according to claim 100, wherein said standard computer bus interface is one of:

an ISA interface;

a PCMCIA interface;

an IDE interface; and

a SCSI interface.

102. A device for coupling an analog telephone set to wiring carrying digitized telephone data, said device comprising:

a wiring connector operative for connecting said device to the wiring;

a transceiver coupled to said wiring connector for conducting communication of the digitized telephone data over the wiring;

a telephone connector connectable to an analog telephone set;

a converter for converting between analog and digitized telephone signals coupled between said telephone connector and said transceiver for coupling the analog telephone set to the digitized telephone data; and

a single enclosure housing said transceiver, said converter and said wiring and telephone connectors,

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a network.

103. The device according to claim 102, wherein the wiring is in a wall of a building and is one of:

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

a telephone wire pair; and

powerline wiring, and wherein said wiring connector is adapted to connect to the wiring and said transceiver is operative for conducting full-duplex serial digital data communication over the in-wall wiring.

104. The device according to claim 103, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

105. The device according to claim 103, wherein said device is pluggable into and attachable to an outlet.

106. The device according to claim 102, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

107. The device according to claim 102, further comprising:

at least one active unit;

a power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply comprising an AC/DC converter or DC/DC converter and having a connection point for connecting to a power source; and

a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status.

108. The device according to claim 107 further comprising a power connector connectable to the power source, and wherein said connection point is coupled to said power connector for supplying power to said device from the power source.

109. The device according to claim 107 wherein the wiring further simultaneously carries a power signal, and wherein said connection point is coupled to receive the power signal and to supply the power signal to said device for powering at least part of said device.

110. The device according to claim 107 further comprising a power connector coupled to said connection point and connectable to a component for DC powering the component.

111. The device according to claim 102, wherein said device has an address assigned automatically or by a data unit connected to said device.

112. The device according to claim 102, wherein said transceiver is operative to effect full-duplex communication.

113. The device according to claim 102, wherein said transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical transceivers over the wiring.

114. The device according to claim 102, wherein said transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional point-to-point communication with only a single mating transceiver over the wiring.

115. The device according to claim 102, wherein at least one parameter of said device is configurable by a connected data unit.

116. The device according to claim 102 further operative to provide a standard computer bus interface, said device further comprising a computer connector and mechanical means for connecting and attaching said device to a computer plug-in unit, said computer connector being coupled to said wiring connector.

117. The device according to claim 116, wherein said standard computer bus interface is one of:

an ISA interface;

a PCMCIA interface;

an IDE interface; and

a SCSI interface.

118. The device according to claim 102 further comprising firmware and a processor executing said firmware, wherein said processor is at least coupled to control said transceiver.

119. The device according to claim 118, further comprising at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor and actuatable by a user for assigning a device parameter.

120. The device according to claim 119, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

121. A device for parallel coupling to a wiring carrying bi-directional serial digital data, said device comprising:

a wiring connector operative for connecting said device to the wiring;

a transceiver coupled to said wiring connector for conducting serial digital data communication over the wiring;

a parallel port coupled to said transceiver for parallel coupling to the serial digital data; and

a single enclosure housing said transceiver, said parallel port and said wiring connector,

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a network.

122. The device according to claim 121, wherein the wiring is in a wall of a building and is one of:

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

a telephone wire pair; and

powerline wiring, and wherein said wiring connector is adapted to connect to the wiring and said transceiver is operative for conducting full-duplex serial digital data communication over the wiring.

123. The device according to claim 122, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

.

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

124. The device according to claim 122, wherein said device is pluggable into and attachable to an outlet.

125. The device according to claim 121, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

126. The device according to claim 121, further comprising at least one active unit, and wherein the device further comprises a power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply comprising an AC/DC converter or DC/DC converter and having a connection point for connecting to a power source, and visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status.

127. The device according to claim 126 further comprising a power connector connectable to the power source, and wherein said connection point is coupled to said power connector for supplying power to said device from the power source.

128. The device according to claim 126 wherein the wiring further simultaneously carries a power signal, and wherein said connection point is coupled to receive the power signal and to supply the power signal to said device for powering at least part of said device.

129. The device according to claim 126 further comprising a power connector coupled to said connection point and connectable to a device for DC powering said device.

130. The device according to claim 121, wherein said device has an address assigned automatically or by a data unit connected to said device.

131. The device according to claim 121 further comprising firmware and a processor executing said firmware, wherein said processor is at least coupled to control said transceiver.

132. The device according to claim 131, further comprising at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor and actuatable by a user for assigning a device parameter.

133. The device according to claim 132, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

134. The device according to claim 121 further wherein said parallel port is part of a standard computer bus interface, and said device further comprises a computer connector coupled to said parallel port, and mechanical means for connecting and attaching said device to a computer plug-in unit.

135. The device according to claim 134, wherein said standard computer bus interface is one of an ISA interface and a PCMCIA interface.

136. The device according to claim 121 further comprising a data connector coupled to the said parallel port for parallel bi-directional communication with a data unit.

137. The device according to claim 136, wherein the parallel communication is based on an ITU-T V.35 standard.

138. The device according to claim 121, wherein said transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex communication.

139. The device according to claim 121, wherein said transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional communication with one or more identical transceivers over the wiring.

140. The device according to claim 121, wherein said transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional point-to-point communication with only a single mating transceiver over the wiring.

141. The device according to claim 121, wherein at least one parameter of said device is configurable by a connected data unit.

142. A device for coupling a data unit and an analog unit to wiring that simultaneously carries a bi-directional serial digital data signal multiplexed with an analog signal, the device comprising:

a wiring connector operative for connecting said device to the wiring;

a data interface connector coupled to said wiring connector and connectable to the data unit, for coupling the serial digital data signal to the data unit;

an analog connector coupled to said wiring connector and connectable to the analog unit, for coupling the analog signal to the analog unit; and

a single enclosure housing said wiring connector, said data interface connector and said analog connector,

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a network.

143. The device according to claim 142, wherein the wiring is in a wall of a building and is one of:

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

a telephone wire pair; and

powerline wiring, and wherein said wiring connector is adapted to connect to the wiring.

144. The device according to claim 143, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

145. The device according to claim 143, wherein said device is pluggable into and attachable to an outlet.

146. The device according to claim 142, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

147. The device according to claim 142, further comprising at least one active unit, and wherein said device further comprises a power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply comprising an AC/DC converter or DC/DC converter and having a connection point for connecting to a power source, and a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status.

148. The device according to claim 147 further comprising a power connector connectable to the power source, and wherein said connection point is coupled to said power connector for supplying power to said device from the power source.

149. The device according to claim 147 wherein the wiring further simultaneously carries a power signal, and said connection point is coupled to receive the power signal and to supply the power signal to said device for powering at least part of said device.

150. The device according to claim 147 further comprising a power connector coupled to said connection point and connectable to a component for DC powering the component.

151. The device according to claim 142, wherein said device has an address assigned automatically or by a data unit connected to said device.

152. The device according to claim 142 further comprising firmware and a processor executing said firmware, wherein said processor is at least coupled to control at least one component of the device.

153. The device according to claim 152, further comprising at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor and actuatable by a user for assigning a device parameter.

154. The device according to claim 153, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

155. The device according to claim 152, wherein:

the analog signal and the digital data signal are frequency multiplexed on the wiring;

the digital data signal is carried in a frequency band distinct from, and higher than, the analog signal, and

said device further comprises;

a high pass filter coupled between said wiring connector and said data interface connector for passing only the digital data signal; and

a low pass filter coupled between said wiring connector and said analog connector for passing only the analog signal.

156. The device according to claim 142, further comprising a transceiver coupled between said wiring connector and said standard data interface connector, said transceiver being operative to effect full-duplex serial digital data communication over the wiring.

157. The device according to claim 142, wherein said transceiver is operative to bi-directionally communicate with one or more identical transceiver over the wiring.

158. The device according to claim 142, wherein said transceiver is operative to bi-directionally communicate point-to-point with only a single mating transceiver over the wiring.

159. The device according to claim 142, wherein the serial digital data signal coupled to the data unit conforms to an Ethernet protocol.

160. The device according to claim 142, wherein at least one parameter if the device is configurable by a connected data unit.

161. A device for coupling distinct first and second data conveying transmission lines the first transmission line being at least in part in a wall of a building and the second digital data conveying transmission line being of a type distinct from the first digital data conveying transmission line, said device comprising:

a first port couplable to the first data conveying transmission line;

a first transceiver coupled to said first port for bi-directional serial digital data communication with a first further transceiver identical to said first transceiver over the first digital data conveying transmission line;

a second port couplable to the second digital data conveying transmission line;

a second transceiver coupled to said second port for bi-directional serial digital data communication with a second further transceiver identical to said second transceiver over the second digital data conveying transmission line, said second transceiver being of a type distinct from said first transceiver; and

a single enclosure housing said first and second ports and said first and second transceivers,

wherein said first and second transceivers are coupled to each other for passing data between said first and second ports, said enclosure is attachable to the wall, and said device is addressable in a network.

162. The device according to claim 161, wherein the first data conveying transmission line comprises at least two conductors, said first port comprises a connector, and said first transceiver is operative for conducting signals over the at least two conductors of the first data conveying transmission line.

163. The device according to claim 161, wherein at least one of the transmission lines is one of:

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

a telephone wire-pair; and

powerline wiring, and wherein one of said ports is a wiring connector that is adapted to connect to said at least one of the transmission lines and said first transceiver is operative for conducting full-duplex serial digital data communication over said at least one of the transmission lines.

164. The device according to claim 161, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

165. The device according to claim 161, wherein said device is pluggable into and attachable to an outlet.

166. The device according to claim 161, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

167. The device according to claim 161, further comprising at least one active unit, and wherein said device further comprises a power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply comprising an AC/DC converter or DC/DC converter and having a connection point for connecting to a power source, and a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status.

168. The device according to claim 167 further comprising a power connector connectable to the power source, and wherein said connection point is coupled to said power connector for supplying power to said device from the power source.

169. The device according to claim 167 wherein at least one of the transmission lines further simultaneously carries a power signal, and wherein said connection point is coupled to receive the power signal and to supply the power signal to said device for powering at least part of said device.

170. The device according to claim 167 further comprising a power connector coupled to said connection point and connectable to a component for DC powering the component.

171. The device according to claim 161, wherein said device has an address assigned automatically or by a data unit connected to said device.

172. The device according to claim 161 further comprising firmware and a processor executing said firmware, wherein said processor is at least coupled to control said first transceiver.

173. The device according to claim 172, further comprising at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor and actuatable by a user for assigning a device parameter.

174. The device according to claim 173, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

175. The device according to claim 161, wherein the first transmission line further carries a frequency multiplexed analog telephone signal or AC power signal.

176. The device according to claim 161, wherein the second transmission line comprises at least two conductors, said second port consists of a connector, and said second transceiver is operative for conducting signals over the at least two conductors.

177. The device according to claim 161, wherein the second transmission line in one of:

a twisted wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

a telephone wire pair; and

powerline wiring, and said second transceiver is adapted to conduct serial digital data over the second transmission line.

178. The device according to claim 161, wherein said first transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex communication with one or more identical transceivers.

179. The device according to claim 161, wherein said first transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single mating transceiver over the first transmission line.

180. The device according to claim 161, wherein said second transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex communication with one or more identical transceivers.

181. The device according to claim 161, wherein said second transceiver is operative to perform full-duplex point-to-point communication with only a single mating transceiver over the second transmission line.

182. The device according to claim 161, wherein communication with one of said first and second ports and one of said first and second transceivers, respectively, is carried out with signals that conform to an Ethernet protocol.

183. The device according to claim 161, wherein at least one parameter of the device is configurable by a connected data unit.

184. The device according to claim 161, wherein the protocol of signals on the first transmission line is different from the protocol of signals on the second transmission line, and said device is further operative to convert between the different protocols.

185. A device for coupling a data unit and a powered unit to wiring composed of at least two conductors and simultaneously carrying a bi-directional serial digital data signal and a power signal, said device comprising:

a wiring connector operative for connecting said device to the wiring;

a data connector coupled to said wiring connector and connectable to a data unit, for coupling the serial digital data signal to the data unit;

a power connector coupled to said wiring connector and connectable to a powered unit, for powering the powered unit by the power signal; and

a single enclosure housing said wiring connector, said data connector and said power connector,

wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall and said device is addressable in a network.

186. The device according to claim 185, wherein the wiring is in the wall and is one of:

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

a telephone wire pair; and

powerline wiring, and wherein said wiring connector is adapted to connect to the wiring.

187. The device according to claim 186, wherein said single enclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an outlet receptacle or opening; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard outlet.

188. The device according to claim 186, wherein the device is pluggable into and attachable to an outlet.

189. The device according to claim 185, wherein said single enclosure is structured to attach to a mating fixture secured on the wall.

190. The device according to claim 185, further comprising at least one active unit, and wherein said device further comprises:

a power supply connected to said at least one active unit for DC powering said at least one active unit, said power supply comprising an AC/DC converter or DC/DC converter and being coupled to said wiring connector for being powered from the power signal; and

a visual indicator coupled to said power supply for indicating a status.

191. The device according to claim 185, further comprising firmware and a processor executing said firmware, wherein the serial digital data is coupled to said processor via said wiring connector.

192. The device according to claim 191, further comprising at least one user settable manual switch coupled to said processor and actuatable by a user for assigning a device parameter.

193. The device according to claim 192, wherein said at least one manual switch is used to manually assign an address to said device.

194. The device according to claim 185, wherein said device has an address assigned automatically or by a data unit connected to said device.

195. The device according to claim 185, wherein the digital data and power signals are each carried over distinct and dedicated wires.

196. The device according to claim 185, wherein the digital data and power signals are multiplexed and carried over the same conductors.

197. The device according to claim 196, further comprising a data/power splitter having first, second and third ports, wherein only the power signal is passed from said first port to said second port, and the digital data signal is passed between said first and third ports.

198. The device according to claim 197 further wherein said data/power splitter comprises a split-tapped transformer.

199. The device according to claim 185, further comprising a transceiver coupled between said wiring connector and data connector, for conducting the serial digital data signal over the wiring.

200. The device according to claim 199, wherein said transceiver is operative to bi-directionally communicate with one or more identical transceivers over the wiring.

201. The device according to claim 199, wherein said transceiver is operative to perform bi-directional point-to-point communication with only a single mating transceiver over the wiring.

202. The device according to claim 185, further comprising a transceiver coupled between said wiring connector and said data connector, said transceiver being operative to perform full-duplex digital data communication with the data unit.

203. The device according to claim 185, wherein the digital data communicated with said data unit is Ethernet based.

204. The device according to claim 185, wherein at least one parameter of the device is configurable by a connected data unit.

205. The device according to claim 185, further operative to provide a standard computer bus interface, said device further comprising a computer connector and mechanical means for connecting and attaching said device to a computer plug-in unit, said computer connector being coupled to said wiring connector.

206. The device according to claim 205, wherein said standard computer bus interface is one of:

an ISA interface, a PCMCIA interface, an IDE interface, and a SCSI interface.

207. The device according to claim 185, wherein the wiring is a powerline wiring, the power signal is an AC power signal, and said power connector is an AC power connector.

208. The device according to claim 185, wherein the wiring comprises at least one twisted pair and wherein the power signal is a DC power signal.